First, let me say I'm a NY Jet fan....but have always liked the Lions since watching them every Turkey day for many years. Lions are my favorite NFC Team ......a hate the Pack and Bears.

This draft took place on a Jag's Site and had a lot of crazy trades, I didn't make any trades. Remember this draft took place before FA and it was over 2 weeks ago.

Heath has seemed to drop of late, but glad I got him, since Alex Smith, who I love, was selected before my second rd pick. I liked getting Shazor in Rd 2 , a definite need. My favorite pick was the 3rd Rd, Marcus Johnson. Not only can Marcus play G & OT, IMO he was a mid second rd value. O-Line is a must for the Lions and Marcus Johnson could step right in. Alfred Fincher was a little reach in Rd 4.....But believe me, he's a terrific linebacker who can play inside or out and a great special team player. Fincher reminds me of a poor man's Vilma on my beloved Jets.

The draft was suppose to go 7 rounds but it was never completed. No 5th rd pick for the Lions, but was looking for a wideout in rd 6...like a Craig Bragg if he fell and maybe some D-line help in Rd 7.

So I guess you kind of realized the dilemma that the Lions face at #10... we have to stretch for a need.

First round... Miller was the right pick. Him or Alex Barron, that's a need you haven't addressed, RT, that isn't mentioned on draft sites. Stockar McDougle is a free agent and currently the Lions have Kelly Butler starting for them, a sixth round pick who was unimpressive.

Second round... Like the Shazor pick, another possibility, probably a better player was Brodney Pool. They are pretty much equal in value. Good selection.

Third round... Would have gone the same direction. No way Johnson should have fallen that far, great pickup.

Fourth round... Didn't like the pick. Fincher is a good player, I like the guy, but it was a round too early. There were 3rd rounders still on the board. Craphonso Thorpe, Kyle Orton, Lofa Tatupu, Adam Snyder (OT), were better choices there.

For the 6th round... Thopre and Orton will likely be gone, same with Tatupu. Someone like DT Ronald Fields or WR Courtney Roby would be nice picks.

Draft notes in general... The Panthers GM got a steal in Ronnie Brown, I think he goes 2nd overall after his combine. DeMarcus Ware was equally a great pick in the 2nd round. Alex Barron was a great pick at #21. Jammal Brown shouldn't have fallen to the second round. Bryant McFadden was a huge stretch. Reggie Brown was a great pick by the Raiders round 3. Anthony Bryand round 3? Barrett Ruud was a nice selection. Some people were just plain idiots in the 3rd round. Sione Pouha, Adrian McPherson, Travis Daniels? Are you kidding me? Who is John Drake? And the 4th round? Cardinals, fullbacks don't go until round 6.

March 5th, 2005, 2:55 pm

WW85

Water Boy

Joined: March 5th, 2005, 11:18 amPosts: 5

Appreciate your comments.

I really liked Thomas Davis and couldn't believe he went real early and might have been my first pick at #10 if available. Miller may be a little reach at 10, tried to trade down into the late Teens area while I was on the clock and had no takers. In hindsight, Miller was the right choice, cause Alex Smith was gone in the 2nd. Kevin Everett(at Lions 2nd rd pick) or Joel Dressen would be reaches in Rd 2. Some scouts feel Alex Smith may rise into late Rd 1.

If the Lions can trade down 10 spots or so and pick -up an extra 3rd round pick and get Heath Miller or Jammal Brown that would be the best scenario.

You my friend I like. You aren't a Lions fan, but I'm impressed with your knowledge of our situation.

I haven't studied my prospects deep into the later rounds so I can't say much except for a few I like down there.

Me, I hate reaching more than anything else. So ideally we trade down. I'm pretty set on the first order of business is searching for a decent trade down.

The only players I would touch at 10 are Derrick Johnson, Antrel Rolle, Erasmus James and Shawne Merriman. So reaching is a definite possiblity. But I would rather draft the best available player as long as we can stick him on the field. (Meaning no RB or QB in rd 1)

I feel like the TE position is a bubble need/luxury. So it isn't absolutely necessary to use a pick on a TE. Definitely not Heath Miller whose stock is dropping like a rock since we won't even be able to get a single measurable from him before the draft.

Someone who has surfaced post-combine is Matt Jones (I don't think I saw him in your draft). When you look at the success of basketball TE's like Tony Gonzales and Antonio Gates, I would use as high as a 4th round pick on Matt if he's their. If he doesn't work out as a TE, he can play WR or his college position QB. He's just a freak athelete.

Good job though, and let us know if you plan to do another mock, and we'd be glad to help you.